2024-08-23 Stafford

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
47520	Blurton, Magdalen Road	Hanford, Mayne Street	22	First Potteries
35935	Trent Vale, Trentside Road	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries

Today I was going to meet Mrs B from work. She was supposedly finishing at 10:15 and driving from Tamworth to Stafford to meet me. I went out to meet the 09:49 departure from Longton to Newcastle-under-Lyme. As predidicted it was dud First Potteries 47520. I boarded the bus and booked a single to Hanford at £2. The bus set off along the road and we turned right to head Eastwards along the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right onto New Inn Lane. After passing The Man In Space pub we climbed the hill and into Hanford. The bus turned right into Wilson Road and left onto Church Lane. We entered the older part of the village and at the bottom of the road we turned left onto Mayne Street adjacent to the A34. I got up and got off the bus. After a brief stop First Potteries 47520 departed towards Newcastle under Lyme.

I had just missed the bus to Stafford so I decided to cross Hanford roundabout and wait and the stop closer to Newcastle. I walked along the A34 past the garage and crossed under the A500 flyover and to the opposite corner of the roundabout into Trent Vale. I crossed back over the A34 and headed to the bus stop. After around a 10 mminutes wait I saw the bus approaching. As expect from the Bustinmes.org map I saw First Potteries 35935 approaching on the #101 to Stafford. As I board the First Potteries bus in Hanford, I know I'm about to embark on a journey that takes me through some of the most interesting and scenic parts of Staffordshire. I paid the £2 fare and went upstairs and sat down. Starting in Hanford, a quiet suburb in the southern part of Stoke-on-Trent, the bus picks up speed as it leaves the familiar residential streets and village-like charm of the area behind. Hanford is peaceful, with its calm roads and local shops, but soon, I’m on the A34 (Stone Road), heading southward towards new sights. Not long after setting off, I catch sight of one of my favourite places—Trentham Gardens. Even from the bus, I can glimpse the beautifully landscaped gardens and the grand ornamental lake that have made this estate famous. The Italianate gardens, with their precise design and lush greenery, hint at the rich history of this place, a history that has drawn visitors for generations. Just beyond the gardens, I notice the Trentham Monkey Forest, another unique highlight of this route. It’s always a pleasure to pass by, knowing that just beyond the trees, over 140 Barbary macaques are roaming freely in the woodland. It’s a rare and special sight, something you don’t expect to find so close to home, and it always makes me smile to think of the little ones running around under the canopy of ancient trees. As we continue along the A34, the bus moves away from these well-known attractions and into more open countryside. The landscape opens up here, with rolling fields stretching out on either side, a reminder of Staffordshire’s pastoral beauty. Soon enough, we reach Stone, a town I’ve always enjoyed visiting. As we approach the town centre, the bus passes by Granville Square, the heart of Stone. This historic square, surrounded by Georgian architecture and bustling with local shops and a traditional market, really captures the essence of a market town that’s steeped in history. Leaving Stone behind, the journey continues through quieter, more rural areas. The fields and woodlands are a peaceful contrast to the busier streets we’ve just left, and it’s a pleasant stretch of road that makes me appreciate the slower pace of life here. As the bus nears Stafford, I spot the Pets at Home Warehouse-a large, modern facility that’s a far cry from the historic sights we’ve passed, but important in its own right. This distribution centre is a major part of the local economy, employing many people from the surrounding areas, and it’s interesting to see how the old and new industries coexist in this region. Finally, the bus arrives in Stafford, the county town, where the journey ends at Chell Road, close to the town centre. Stafford always feels lively, with its shops, offices, and public services buzzing with activity. It’s a fitting end to a journey that has taken me through such a variety of places—each one offering something different, from the serene gardens of Trentham to the bustling market square of Stone, and finally to the vibrant heart of Stafford itself. Every time I take this route, I’m reminded of just how much there is to see and appreciate in this part of Staffordshire. After a brief stop the bus departs towards the railway station and the Gaol Square bus station.

After watching the bus depart I headed past the bus station and onto the main square. I walk to the other end of the main street to The Picture House. The Picture House pub in Stafford is a unique and charming establishment that stands out not just for its offerings but for its fascinating history. Located on Bridge Street in the heart of Stafford, this pub was originally a cinema, which first opened its doors in 1914. The building retains much of its original architectural splendour, making it a notable landmark in the town. As you approach the Picture House, its grand façade immediately catches the eye, with its classic cinema frontage preserved to reflect its storied past. The entrance still resembles that of a traditional movie theatre, complete with the original canopy that once advertised the latest films. Inside, the pub has been sympathetically converted to retain the cinema's character, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that harks back to the golden age of film. The interior is spacious and richly decorated, with many original features still intact. The main auditorium, where patrons once sat to watch the latest releases, now serves as the main seating area. High ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and the large projector screen—now used to display sports events or classic films—contribute to the venue's unique charm. The upper circle, which once provided balcony seating, has been transformed into an additional dining area, offering a great vantage point over the main hall. Throughout the pub, you’ll find nods to its cinematic heritage, from vintage film posters and memorabilia to the carefully preserved ticket booths and signage. The atmosphere is both cosy and lively, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The Picture House offers a wide range of food and drink, with a menu that caters to all tastes. Traditional pub fare is served alongside more contemporary dishes, and the bar is well-stocked with a variety of ales, wines, and spirits. Whether you’re there for a quick drink, a leisurely meal, or to soak up the historic ambience, the Picture House provides a unique setting in which to relax and enjoy the charm of Stafford’s past.